Brenden Sanborn: Essence of Love Through Art

Have you ever stared at a piece of art and were inspired or simply compelled to find out more about the artist who is behind the artwork?

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Artists often hide behind their work of art to add an element of mystery and illusion to who they may be. It’s the allure of an artist and the desire to know more about him or her that often times brings life to a piece of art.

In recent years, I have developed an appreciation for the arts. The arts capture the essence of love, mankind, the human body and the true essence of life. Art can sometimes show the unforgiving truth to life and what makes a piece of art even more meaningful is knowing the life and journey of that artist.

Brenden Sanbornis an artist who we believe has the romantic but artistic eye to take sexuality between two men and turn into something sensual and captivating. we believe we were drawn to his collection for many reasons but mostly because the images, “show enough without showing it all” something Brenden said during the interview. Within the first five minutes of our conversation I was hooked. Brenden’s passion for watercolors began after receiving his first set for Christmas in 1990, a set he still has to this day.

Brenden is more than just an artist, he is passionate, romantic, thoughtful and understands that life and love can be unforgiving. Through his art which is done with watercolor he is able to connect with each and everyone who appreciates his artistic eye. I am usually never wrong about these things, Brenden Sanborn is a name worth remembering.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration in almost everything and everywhere I go. I find the observation of my surroundings at anytime to be just as exciting and creative as the painting process. The observation of how light dances at different times of the day. I especially find great inspiration in studying people’s behavior in social situations. I find that people give the most expression of their true selves when observed in candid actions. No one thing inspires me as an artist. I find inspiration within the process of witnessing life.

Your web site shows a number of watercolor paintings. What about using watercolor do you like?

Watercolors never cease to amaze me. Just when I feel I’ve done everything with the medium that I can, I splash some more water and paint on the paper and something new and awesome appears. Its fluidity, transparency, lack of forgiveness are just a few of the things I love about the medium.

You mention that you were initially trained as a graphic artist. What are some skills, techniques, and training that you are able to take from those earlier days and use while pursuing your fine art endeavors?

I studied painting and art history in school. However, my first job in the art world was as a graphic artist. The job was working for a start-up company and more about production and less about creative freedom. What I did learn were business skills. As a start-up, we had to wear many hats so I learned a great deal about how I would run my own business and work as a self-representing artist.

What’s motivating you to create more abstract paintings these days?

Abstracts are my true love. I am most centered when I am painting and abstract painting allows my center to become balanced. When I paint figures, I am captured by the beauty of the body’s movement and of speaking emotions through color and body language. When painting abstract, I am lost in the pure energy of creation with use of color, shapes and rhythm. When I paint abstractly, I am most in tuned with who I am and what it is that I want to say with my painting. When I paint the figure, the image is literal and obvious. My ultimate goal with my abstract art is to engage the viewer in an endlessly absorbing experience that fosters a meaningful dialogue. With my abstracts, I seek to engage the viewer and transport them newly into their own perception, to look anew at the world around them and see it clearly for the first time, as if with new eyes.

How would you describe “telephoto abstract” to our readers?

I love to hike and be out in nature. One day as I was out taking a hike and snapping some photos for references to potential paintings, I turned the macro on my camera and snapped what was to become one of many telephoto abstract references. I loved how a simple flower became a whole new world just by taking a closer look. Insects, flowers, trees and even dirt became abstract and had a completely different perception. I was fascinated by this transformation and wanted to capture that on canvas. I started to stop and focus on one small area of nature and it became so large when on canvas.

What’s your favorite place to see art?

I love to sit and sketch at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. I also love the ICA in Boston, MA.

What was the title and description of the last piece you sold?

I just sold a Triptych titled, “Three Parts of a Man”. I had this work as part of my private collection for over eight years. I was especially attached to this work as it reminded me of a time in my life that I was transforming; growing. I was making the leap as just someone who loved to paint and create to a professional artist. The work traveled to many shows but I recently felt it was time to let the work find a new home so it could be appreciated by someone new.

What’s the last artwork you purchased?

I purchased two portraits of my two dogs that had passed away. I know an amazing artist who paints lifelike expressions of pets.

What work of art do you wish you owned?

Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh

What suggestions to you have for others who are interested in pursuing their artistic talents, whether professionally or for a hobby?

I love giving tips to artists. I actually give them regularly on my Facebook page. I find a lot of artists or creative people ask me “How do you stay so creative all the time? I never seem to be inspired”. My answer is always simple. Just create and it your intuition and that “spark” will kick in. I find that inspiration comes on strong at times but most of the time you have to open the doors of your mind and imagination and get the engine going. I get in what I like to call “the zone”. It’s a place where I lose all sense of time. It’s my most creative place. I only get there by doing. I find that I need 10-20 minutes warm up to get to that zone but I always get there and I never remember how; it just happens. And when I get there and let the creativity take over, I am in bliss. I believe that everyone is creative; we just have to know how we want to express it; some of us just make a profession out of it!